Meth, Muppets and music: Five of our favorite documentaries from SXSW

The documentary slate at South by Southwest this year was as strong as ever. Our critics saw nearly two dozen docs; here are five of their favorites.

“Meth Storm: Arkansas USA”: Charles Ealy says this documentary about meth addiction in lower-income America “has a weird vibe. It’s undeniably groundbreaking. But it’s also undeniably troubling, from an ethical standpoint.” The filmmakers appear to have been given incredible access to law enforcement authorities, but they also feature families caught up in the drug trade, including young children who add a disturbing element to the movie. HBO will be distributing this film; no release date has been set.REVIEW: The meth doc at SXSW raises a lot of questions

“Stranger Fruit”: This documentary about the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., made national news on its world premiere at SXSW. It examines a previously unreported video that, the filmmaker says, shows Brown did not rob a convenience store but rather was involved in an exchange of pot for cigarillos. A lawyer for the store and its employees disputes the film’s allegations. REVIEW: ‘Stranger Fruit’ offers new theory about Ferguson shooting

“Muppet Guys Talking – Secrets Behind the Show the Whole World Watched”: Frank Oz and four other original Muppet performers gather to talk about their time on “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show. ” It’s “not only a fascinating historical document but also a beautiful portrait of old friends who can still crack each other up after decades together,” Matt Shiverdecker writes.REVIEW: ‘Muppet Guys Talking’ is like hanging out with old friends at SXSW